30 Orobanche Virginiana. 
or perhaps from the use made of the plant in the treatment of 
eancers. 
Mr. Nuttall says this plant is “ equally indigenous to every part 
of North America.’ In the neighbourhood of this city, it is very 
abundant, particularly in the woods above the falls of the Schuyl- 
kill, on the west side; where it covers the ground for rods together. 
It is in full flower in those situations, about the tenth of September, 
at which time it should be gathered for medical use. (For Chemical 
Analysis, see Appendix. ) 
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. 
The cancer-root is now introduced into all our dispensatories, and 
has obtained, whether deservedly or not. I am unable from any ex- 
perience on the subject to say, not a little reputation as a remedy 
for cancer. The chief claim it has to any consideration as an effica- 
cious application to cancerous affections, is derived from the cir- 
cumstance of its having been collected by Dr. Hugh Martin, in the 
neighbourhood of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of mak- 
ing his renowned cancer-powder,* a preparation supposed to consist 
* See Barton’s Collections, ed. 3d. par. 2. p. 8. 
